Fixing your car yourself can create a great sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, a repair job that goes awry can lead to frustration, swearing and bloody knuckles.
The last time I replaced a fuel pump, I tackled the job outside, on the ground in the middle of a dust storm. Because the fuel tank had to be dropped to access the pump, the process took a couple of hours. Every time the wind kicked up and covered me in dirt, I cursed my old truck and its crummy fuel pump.
So, before you decide to replace your fuel pump yourself, be honest: do you have the patience, tools, space and ability to do the job right? If you’re uncertain, it’s probably more time and cost effective to have a professional complete the repair. And it will most certainly be safer.
But if you’ve got the know-how, you can definitely save money by replacing the pump yourself.
Replacing a fuel pump isn’t cheap. On modern vehicles, which have an integrated fuel pump assembly, the part itself can cost hundreds of dollars.
Then there’s the labor. On some cars (particularly domestics) the fuel tank must be dropped to access the pump, making the job especially time-consuming. Other vehicles (typically imports) have an access cover below the rear seat that makes the job much easier.
Because there are so many different factors, the cost of fuel pump replacement varies a great deal. If you have the work done at a professional repair shop, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for the job.
The tools needed to replace your fuel pump vary, depending on what type of car you have. But, in general, you will need:
Installing a fuel pump can be difficult – especially if you’ve got a full gas tank. Plus, because fuel is flammable, the task can be dangerous. If you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure to take the necessary precautions and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Note: The following is for informational purposes only. Consult the factory information for repair instructions and recommended safety precautions.
The following outlines a typical in-tank fuel pump replacement and should be used for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult the factory repair manual to determine the exact procedure and safety precautions for your vehicle.
1. Put on your safety glasses and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
2. Safely raise and support the rear of the vehicle using a jack and jack stands. Set the parking brake and chock the front wheels.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Relieve fuel system pressure following the procedure found in the factory repair information.
5. Drain the fuel tank if it has a lot of fuel. Usually, this is done using a hand-operated pump or siphon. If you choose to leave the tank full, it will be a lot heavier and harder to balance.
6. Loosen the clamp on the fuel filler neck, then disconnect the neck from the fuel tank.
7. Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack or equivalent.
8. Remove the fuel tank strap bolts and the straps themselves.
9. Lower the tank just enough to access and disconnect the fuel hoses, electrical connections and emissions hoses.
10. Once everything is disconnected, lower the tank completely.
11. Clean the area around the pump access hole to prevent dirt and debris from entering the tank.
12. Remove the retainer ring or bolts securing the pump assembly to the tank.
13. Remove the fuel pump and seal ring from the fuel tank.
1. Compare the replacement pump to the new pump assembly to ensure a match.
2. Install the new seal ring and new pump assembly in the tank.
3. Using a transmission jack or equivalent, raise the tank just enough to reconnect the fuel hoses, electrical connections and emissions hoses.
4. Raise the tank into place.
5. Reinstall the fuel filler neck and secure it with a clamp.
6. Reinstall the fuel tank straps and torque the mounting bolts to the specification listed in the factory repair manual.
7. Safely remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
8. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
9. Fill the fuel tank as needed.
10. Start the vehicle and double-check your work, looking for leaks.
Replacement is quite a bit easier if you have a pump with an under-seat access cover. The following outlines a typical in-tank fuel pump replacement and should be used for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult the factory repair manual to determine the exact procedure and safety precautions for your vehicle.
1. Put on your safety glasses and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Relieve fuel system pressure following the procedure found in the factory repair information.
4. Remove the rear seat or rear seat cushion as necessary.
5. Remove the in-floor access cover.
6. Disconnect the fuel hoses, electrical connections and emissions hoses from the pump assembly.
7. Clean the area around the pump access hole to prevent dirt and debris from entering the tank.
8. Remove the retainer ring or bolts securing the pump assembly to the tank.
9. Remove the fuel pump and seal ring from the fuel tank.
1. Compare the replacement pump to the new pump assembly to ensure a match.
2. Install the new seal ring and new pump assembly in the tank.
3. Reconnect the fuel hoses, electrical connections and emissions hoses.
4. Reinstall the in-floor access cover.
5. reinstall the rear seat or rear seat cushion as necessary.
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
7. Fill the fuel tank as needed.
First and foremost, don’t jump to conclusions – perform a thorough diagnosis to ensure the fuel pump is faulty. Or have a professional carry out the diagnostics for you. Because there are a lot of other problems that can mimic a faulty fuel pump, you want a solid assessment before jumping in.
If you determine the fuel pump does indeed need to be replaced, don’t forget to install a new fuel filter at the same time. Modern, return-less fuel systems have the filter integrated into the assembly and it will usually come with the new pump.
But older vehicles may have a separate fuel filter installed in the line coming from the tank. Filters such as these should be replaced at the same time as the pump to prevent debris from contaminating the new unit.
If you’re aware that your vehicle has a fuel pump with issues, then you shouldn’t continue driving it. A faulty fuel pump can cause your vehicle to stall suddenly. This can be quite inconvenient, especially if you’re going on a long drive out of town. Don’t let this happen and get the right replacement fuel pump for your vehicle here at CarParts.com.
Here at CarParts.com, we carry a wide selection of high-quality auto parts and accessories, including fuel pumps. Simply enter your car’s year, make, model, and engine into our website’s built-in vehicle selector and we’ll show you products that can fit your vehicle. We only source our fuel pumps from trustworthy manufacturers, ensuring that you get high-quality parts that will stand the test of time. If you live in the continental US and place your order before noon ET, your new fuel pump will arrive at your doorstep in as fast as two business days.
Forget about brick-and-mortar stores and shop for a high-quality fuel pump replacement right here at CarParts.com today!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.